Rheem AP15447 Electric Tankless Water Heaters User Manual

Rheem AP15447 Electric Tankless Water Heaters User Manual

The purpose of this manual is twofold
one, to provide the installer with the basic directions and recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the owner–operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting of the water heater. This manual also includes a parts list. It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater read the instructions carefully so they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should be directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to the section on “If you need service.”
Do not destroy this manual. Please read it carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

• Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!
• California Proposition 65

Warning
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model and serial numbers here: You can find them on a label on the appliance. Staple sales slip or cancelled check here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

READ THIS MANUAL
Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your water heater properly. Just a little preventive care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your water heater. You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before You Call For Service section. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service at all.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There are many mportant safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages. This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information! This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the words “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or

“NOTICE”.
These words mean:

DANGER
An imminently hazardous situation that will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
A potentially hazardous situation that could result in death or serious injury and/or property damage.

CAUTION
A potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.
Notice: Attention is called to observe a specified procedure or maintain a specific condition.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

DANGER!
water temperature setting Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of the water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water heater near the thermostat access panel Water temperature over 125°F can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalds. Children, the disabled and the elderly are at the highest risk of being scalded. See the instruction manual before setting the temperature at the water heater. Feel water before bathing or showering. Temperature-limiting valves are available, see the manual.

NOTICE
Mixing valves are available for reducing point-of-use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute The chart shown above may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home.

DANGER
Households with small children, and disabled, or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water. The temperature of the water in the heater is regulated by the electronic control on the front of the water heater. To comply with safety regulations the thermostat was set at the lowest factory setting before the water heater was shipped from the factory. The illustration below shows the temperature adjustment dial used for setting the water.

DANGER
Hotter water increases the potential for Hot Water SCALDS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified service technician, or the local electric utility.

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For residential water heaters up to 52-gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake bracing instructions can be obtained from: the Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater dealer. However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable bracing procedures.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating, fire, flood, or physical damage or if the ECO fails to shut off.

• Read this manual entirely before installing or operating the water heater.
• Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Use and Care Manual.
• Be sure your appliance is properly installed by local codes and the provided installation instructions.
• Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of your water heater unless it is specifically recommended in this manual. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician.

Read and follow this Safety Information carefully.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Installing the water heater. The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:

Local Installation Regulations

This water heater must be installed according to these instructions, local codes, utility codes, utility company requirements or, in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as a booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

Location
Locate the water heater in a clean dry area as near as practical to the area of greatest heated water demand. Long uninsulated hot water lines can waste energy and water. The water heater and water lines should be protected from
freezing temperatures. Do not install the water heater in outdoors, unprotected areas.

Inspect Shipment
Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the power supply corresponds to the water heater requirements.

Installing the water heater.

1. Thank you for your purchase of the Electric Tankless Water Heater. This is a quick reference guide to installation. Remember you must consult a licensed electrician and plumber for guidance.
2. Remove the unit from the box before continuing. Please check to make sure all mounting hardware and instruction manuals are present. DO NOT continue until you have all these items.
3. Shut off all water supply lines to the existing water heater. (If this is a new installation, make sure the water is completely shut off.)
4. Remove the water heater to expose the pipes. Locate and mark the spot where you plan to install the tankless water heater.
5. Mount the unit to the wall at the selected location. (See Figure 1)
6. Install the water lines to the tankless water heater using supplied compression fittings. (See Figure 2.)
7. Open the main water valve and let the water run for 2 minutes through the unit to remove all air in the line. Close the water tap after 2 minutes and check for leaks.
8. Check existing electrical code for appropriate wire gauge and breaker size. (This step should be done by a qualified electrician to avoid electrical problems.)
9. Once the electrical connection is complete, turn on the breaker and verify the green “Stand-By” light is on.
10. Electrical connections may be completed without accessing the inside components of the water heater.
11. Turn on the hot water tap and check that the red “Activation” lights come on.
12.  Set the temperature knob to the desired water temperature. (See Figure 3.)

Location of Unit
NOTICE: The unit must be installed in a vertical position ONLY with the water fittings pointing horizontally, Do not install the unit where it would routinely be splashed with water. Electric shock may result.

1. Install the tankless water heater as close as possible to the hot water draw-off point, for example, directly beneath the sink or next to the shower stall.
2. Install the tankless water heater in a frost-free area. If frost may occur, remove the unit before freezing temperatures set in.
3. Leave a minimum of 12″ of clearance on the top and bottom of the unit for servicing.

Mounting The Water Heater Mounting kit contains sheet metal screws and supporting brackets in a plastic bag. These brackets can be attached to the back of the heater and allow the installer to secure the heater to the wall without the need to open the front cover. Make sure to use only the brackets and screws that are provided in the mounting kit. The use of longer screws may damage the unit and void your warranty.

Water Connections

1. All plumbing work must comply with national applicable state and local plumbing codes.

2. Make certain that the cold water supply line has been flushed to remove any scale and dirt.

3. Install an isolating valve in the cold water line to allow the unit to be isolated for maintenance purposes.

4. The cold water connection (inlet) is on the right side of the unit, and hot The water connection (outlet) is on the left side of the unit.
   NOTICE: Excessive heat from soldering on copper pipes near the tankless water heater may cause damage.

5. Tankless water heaters are not required to be equipped with a Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV). If the local inspector will not pass the installation without a PTRV, it should be installed on the hot water outlet side of the unit.

6. When all plumbing work is completed, check for leaks and take corrective action before proceeding.

Very Important
Use only the compression fitting ring and nut provided with each unit as shown in the drawing.

Important
Test the installation for leaks before connecting the electrical supply. Check with a professional electrician for the required breaker and wire gauge. Compression fittings are designed exclusively for this unit. Do not use a different type of threaded coupling.

WARNING
The heater chamber must be full of water before the water heater is turned on. The water heater warranty does not cover damage or failure resulting from operation with an empty or partially empty heater chamber.

Purge Air From the System
After the unit is installed, open the shut-off valve in the cold water supply line. Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the water heater and piping. A steady flow of water from the hot water faucet(s) indicates a full
water heater.

CAUTION
The presence of water in the piping and the water heater does not provide sufficient conduction for the ground. Non-metallic piping, dielectric unions, flexible connectors etc. can cause the water heater to be electrically isolated.

Electrical Connections
A separate branch circuit with copper conductors, an overcurrent protective device and suitable disconnecting means must be provided by a qualified electrician. All wiring must conform to local codes or the latest edition of National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70. The voltage requirements and wattage load for the water heater are specified on the rating plate on the front of the water heater. The branch circuit wiring should include either a metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable approved for use as a grounding conductor and installed with fittings approved for the purpose. Non-metallic sheathed cable, metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable not approved for use as a ground conductor shall include a separate conductor for grounding. It should be attached to the ground terminals of the water heater and the electrical distribution box.

NOTICE
This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing and wire size based on the National Electric Code. Refer to the wiring diagrams in this manual for field wiring connections.

Warning
Before beginning any work on the electric installation, be sure that the main breaker panel switch is “OFF” to avoid any danger of electric shock. All mounting and plumbing must be completed before proceeding with electrical hook up. Where required by local, state or national electrical codes the circuit should be equipped with a “Ground fault interrupter”. All electrical work must comply with national and applicable state and local electrical codes.

The tankless heater should be connected to a properly grounded dedicated branch circuit of proper voltage rating. In installations with several tankless units, each unit requires an independent circuit. Please refer to th technical data table for the correct wire and circuit breaker size. Warning: As with any electric appliance, failure to electrically ground the unit may result in serious injury or death.

Installation Checklist

Water Heater Location

• Close to area of heated water demand
• Indoors and protected from freezing temperatures
• The area is free of flammable vapours.
• Sufficient room to service the heater.

Water Supply

• The water heater was filled with water.
• Air purged from water heater and piping.
• Water connections are tight and free of leaks.

Wiring

• The power Supply voltage agrees with the water heater rating plate.
• Branch circuit wire and fusing or circuit breaker of proper size.
• Electrical connections are tight and the unit is properly grounded.

Operating the water heater

Safety Precautions
Do turn off the power to the water heater if it has been subjected to overheating, fire, flood, or physical damage. Do Not turn on the water heater unless it is filled with water. Do Not turn on the water heater if the cold water supply shut-off valve is closed. If there is any difficulty in understanding or following the Operating Instructions or the Care and Cleaning section, it is recommended that a qualified person or serviceman perform the work.

Operating the water heater.
WARNING: If the water heater has been subjected to flood, fire, or physical damage, turn off power and water to the water heater. Do not operate the water heater again until it has been thoroughly checked by qualified service personnel.

Preparing the Water Heater for Operation
Warning: Open the hot water faucet for a few minutes until water flows continuously and all air is purged from the water pipes.

1. Turn the temperature knob to the lowest setting.
2. Turn on the circuit breaker to bring electrical power to the unit.
3. Open the hot water faucet to a degree so that the water flow is“typical” i.e. until the water flow is the same as that encountered during normal use.
4. Wait twenty seconds until the temperature has stabilized. Then check the water temperature. If the temperature is too low, increase the temperature setting on the heater thermostat.

DANGER
There is a hot water scald potential if the thermostat is set too high. Households with small children, and disabled, or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with HOT water.

Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the water heater can be regulated by setting the temperature dial. Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature and the setting of the water heater thermostat(s). The lower the temperature setting, the greater the savings in energy and operating costs. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding.

Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined in this manual and on the label on the water heater. Mixing valves for reducing point-of-use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in the branch water lines are available. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information. The chart on top of the next page may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home.

Temperature Adjustment

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

Normal Maintenance

Tankless water heaters are designed for a very long service life. Actual life expectancy will vary with water quality and use. The unit itself does not require any regular maintenance. However, to ensure consistent water flow, it is recommended to periodically remove scale and dirt that may build up at the aerator of the faucet or in the shower head.

Routine Preventative Maintenance
Properly maintained, your water heater will provide years of dependable trouble-free service. It is suggested that a routine preventive maintenance program be established and followed by the user.

Before You Call For Service…

and disconnect switch, if used, are in the ON position.
| The thermostat may be set set too low.| ●   See the Temperature regulation of the water heater section of this manual.
| Leaking or open hot water faucets.| ●   Make sure all faucets are closed.
| Electric service to your home may be interrupted.| ●   Contact the local electric utility.
| Improper wiring.| ●   See the Installing the water heater section of this manual.
| Manual reset limit (ECO).| ●   See the Temperature regulation of the water heater section of this manual.
| Cold water inlet temperature may be colder during the winter months.| ● This is normal. The colder inlet water takes longer to heat.
Water is too hot| The thermostat is set too high.| ●   See the Temperature regulation of the water heater section of this manual.
! CAUTION: For your elements or other saf| safety DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring, thermostats, heating ety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel.

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the chart on this page first and you may not need to call for service.
CAUTION: For your safety DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring, thermostats, heating elements or other safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel.

Specifications

KW

| ****

VOLTS

| REQ. BREAKER| MAX POWER (AMP)| AWG WIRE| LENGTH| WIDTH| WEIGHT
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
3| 110| 30| 29| 10| 10-1/4| 5-3/8| 6
7| 240| 30| 29| 10| 10-1/4| 5-3/8| 6
9| 240| 40| 38| 8| 10| 7-1/4| 8
13| 240| 60| 54| 6| 10| 7-1/4| 8
18| 240| (2) 40| 75| (2) 8| 10-1/2| 11-1/4| 12
27| 240| (2) 60| 112| (2) 6| 10-1/2| 11-1/4| 12

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS (inches/pounds)

• Plumbing connections: 1/2 NPT
• Minimum flow rate: 1/2 gal. min.

TEMPERATURE RISE AND GPM FLOW

KW

| MINIMUM ACTIVATION FLOW RATE

(GPM)

| MAX. FLOW RATE

(GPM)

| ****

KW

@ 240V

| TEMPERATURE RISE CHART (F°) AND FLOW RATES BY MODEL
---|---|---|---|---
20°| 30°| 40°| 50°| 60°| 70°| 80°| 90°| 100°
3| 0.4| 1.5| –| 1.5| 1.0| 0.7| 0.5|
7| 0.4| 2.5| 7| 2.5| 2.4| 1.6| 1.1| 0.8| 0.5|
9| 0.4| 3| 9| 3.0| 3.0| 2.2| 1.5| 1.0| 0.7| 0.5|
13| 0.4| 4| 13| 4.0| 4.0| 3.0| 2.1| 1.4| 1.0| 0.7| 0.4|
18| 0.4| 5| 18| 5.0| 5.0| 3.9| 2.6| 1.8| 1.2| 0.8| 0.6
27| 0.4| 5| 27| 5.0| 5.0| 5.0| 4.0| 2.7| 1.8| 1.2| 0.9| 0.6

IF YOU NEED SERVICE
Should you have any questions about your new water heater, or if it requires adjustment, repair, or routine maintenance, it is suggested that you first contact your installer, plumbing contractor or previously agreed upon service agency. In the event the firm has moved or is unavailable, refer to the telephone directory, commercial listings or local utility for qualified service assistance. Should your problem not be solved to your complete satisfaction, you should then contact the Manufacturer’s National Service

Department at the following address
1241 Carwood Court
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
Phone: 1-800-432-8373.

When contacting the manufacturer, the following information will be requested: Model and serial number of the water heater as shown on the rating plate attached to the jacket of the heater. Address where the water heater is located and its physical location. Name and address of installer and any service agency who performed service on the water heater. Date of original installation and dates any service work was performed. Details of the problems as you can best describe them. List of people, with dates, who have been contacted regarding your problem.

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